U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges California/Oregon Welcome

For the wildlife enthusiast, a visit to the Klamath Basin Refuges at any season is a voyage of never-ending discovery. Year to year and season to season the dynamic ebb and flow of wildlife is a process of constant change. Over 490 wildlife species have been observed in the basin including 353 species of birds. Fall and spring bring the drama of one to three million ducks, geese and swans using refuge wetlands as a vital stopover in their annual migrations. Winter bald eagle numbers peak in mid February with basin populations ranking as the largest recorded in the contiguous United States. Thousands of wetland nesting birds also raise their young on the six Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges.

(left) Snow geese Why are the refuges here? Refuge habitats

Once extensive Historically, the Klamath Basin was Refuges protect To conserve much of the basin's wetlands dominated by approximately 185,000 what remains remaining wetland habitat, six acres of shallow lakes and freshwater National Wildlife Refuges have marshes. These extensive wetlands been established; Lower Klamath, attracted peak fall concentrations Northern pintail Tule Lake, and Clear Lake Refuges of over 6 million waterfowl and in northern California, and Bear supported abundant populations of Valley, Upper Klamath, and Klamath other water birds including American Marsh Refuges in southern Oregon. white pelican, double crested The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service cormorant, and several heron species. manages these refuges to enhance wildlife and benefit the American Sandhill craven people. Agricultural and water with Ml Thielson programs are coordinated under an in background agreement between the Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Reclamation.

Diverse habitats Klamath Basin Refuges consist support diverse of a variety of habitats including wildlife freshwater marshes, open water, grassy meadows, coniferous forests, sagebrush and juniper grasslands, Wetlands In 1905, the U.S. Bureau of agricultural lands and rocky cliffs drastically Reclamation initiated the Klamath and slopes. These habitats support reduced Reclamation Project to convert the diverse and abundant populations of lakes and marshes of the Lower resident and migratory wildlife with Klamath and Tule Lake areas to 493 species having been observed on agricultural lands. As these wetlands or near the refuges. In addition, each receded, the reclaimed lands were year the refuges serve as migratory opened to agricultural development stopover for about three-quarters of and settlement. Today, less than the Pacific Flyway waterfowl, with 25 percent of the historic wetlands peak fall concentrations of over one million birds. remain. Tulelake basin Seasonal wildlife highlights

Waterfowl migration begins Winter From December through February, in early September with the the Klamath Basin hosts the largest arrival of northern pintails concentration of bald eagles in the contiguous United States. Some and greater white-fronted years more than 1,000 of these geese. Peak numbers of over majestic birds are present with most one million ducks, geese, and daytime use occurring at Tide Lake swans are usually present and Lower Klamath Refuges. During by early November with these months a large number and diversity of other raptors, including other major species including golden eagle, northern harrier, mallard, American wigeon. and red-tailed and rough-legged green winged teal, snow, Ross', hawks, also can be found. Waterfowl and Panada geese, and tundra numbers on the refuges increase swan. August and September dramatically in February with the arrival of the first northbound are good months to view water migrants. birds such as the American white pelican, double-crested Spring Waterfowl numbers peak in March cormorant, and various herons, with more than one million birds gulls, terns, and grebes. Most present some years. April and will have departed the basin by May are alive with activity as many songbirds, water birds and late October. shorebirds arrive in the basin to rest and build fat reserves for their continuing journey north. Others remain in the basin to nest. Three of the West's few remaining American white pelican breeding colonies are located at Upper Klamath, Lower Klamath, and Clear Lake Refuges.

Summer Refuge wetlands are among the most prolific waterfowl and marsh bird production areas in the Pacific (left) Northwest. An estimated 45,000 Tundra swans ducks, 2,600 Canada geese, and thousands of other water birds are raised on the refuges each year. (below) Large numbers of young can be Canada, geese viewed from June through August. withgoslings About the refuges About the refuges

Lower Klamath Established by President Theodore Clear Lake Established in 1911, this 46,460 acre National Wildlife Roosevelt in 1908, Lower Klamath National Wildlife refuge consists of approximately Refuge Refuge is our nation's first waterfowl Refuge 20,000 acres of open water refuge. This 46,900-acre refuge is surrounded by upland habitat of a varied mix of shallow freshwater bunchgrass, low sagebrush, and Sandhill crane marshes, open water, grassy uplands, juniper. Small, rocky islands in the and croplands that are intensively lake provide nesting sites for the managed to provide feeding, resting, American white pelican, double- nesting, and brood rearing habitat crested cormorant, and other colonial for waterfowl and other water birds. nesting birds. The upland areas serve A marked 10-mile auto tour allows as habitat for pronghorn antelope, visitors year round access to great Mountain mule deer, and sage grouse. Except wildlife viewing opportunities. bluebird for limited waterfowl and pronghorn The refuge also has a number of antelope hunting during the regular photo blinds which are strategically California State seasons, the refuge situated for great early morning is closed to public access to protect photography. fragile habitats and to reduce disturbance to wildlife. The Clear Tule Lake Established in 1928, Tule Lake Lake Reservoir is the primary source National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 39,116 acres of of water for the agricultural program Refuge mostly open water and croplands. of the eastern half of the Klamath Approximately 17,000 acres are Basin with water levels regulated by leased by farmers under a program the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. administered by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Refuge permit holders Klamath Marsh Klamath Marsh Refuge was farm another 1,900 acres of cereal National Wildlife established in 1958 when grain and alfalfa. These crops, Refuge approximately 16,400 acres were together with the waste grain and purchased with Federal Duck Stamp potatoes from the lease program, are funds. In 1990 and 1998, additional a major food source for migrating and acquisitions boosted refuge acreage wintering waterfowl. A ten-mile auto to 40,646. Originally designated as tour route allows wildlife observation Klamath Forest National Wildlife throughout the year. Refuge, the refuge was recently renamed as virtually all of the Upper Klamath Upper Klamath Refuge was historic Klamath Marsh now lies National Wildlife established in 1928 and is comprised within refuge boundaries. This large Refuge of 15,000 acres of mostly freshwater natural marsh provides important marsh and open water. These White-headed nesting, feeding, and resting habitat habitats serve as excellent nesting woodpecker for waterfowl, while the surrounding and brood rearing areas for meadowlands are attractive nesting Tricolored waterfowl and colonial nesting birds and feeding areas for sandhill crane, blackbird including American white pelican yellow rail, and various shorebirds and several heron species. Bald eagle and raptors. The adjacent pine and osprey nest nearby and can forests also support diverse wildlife sometimes be seen fishing in refuge including great gray owl and Rocky waters. A boat is a must for those Mountain elk. During summer visitors who wish to explore this months, opportunities to canoe in refuge. A marked canoe trail is open Wocus Bay allow wildlife observation year round and canoes may be rented and great wetland scenery. nearby. Wildlife Viewing Wildlife Viewing

Yellow bellied Short-eared owl marmot

White pelican River otter

Black-necked Western pond stilt turtle

Western grebe Mule deer About the refuges Recreational Activities

Bear Valley Bear Valley Refuge was established Enjoy your visit National Wildlife in 1978 to protect a major night Refuge roost site for wintering bald eagles. Refuge You are encouraged to stop at the The refuge consists of 4,200 acres, Headquarters and refuge headquarters and visitor primarily of old growth ponderosa Visitor Center center when you first arrive. Refuge pine, incense cedar, and white and wildlife are colorfully described by Bald eagles Douglas firs. These mature stands of exhibits, and information regarding feeding on a trees have open branching patterns wildlife viewing opportunities, road of large limbs which allow easy goose conditions, upcoming events, and eagle access and regulations is available. A non-profit can support many sales outlet provides an opportunity birds. Located on a to purchase wildlife oriented books northeast slope, the and other items. Proceeds are used to roost also shelters support refuge education programs. these raptors from The refuge headquarters and visitor the harsh and center is located on prevailing winter Hill Road, o miles winds. In recent west of Tulelake, years, as many as California, and 300 bald eagles is open Monday have used the roost in a single night. through Friday, Bear Valley Refuge also serves as nesting habitat for several bald eagle pairs. Bear Valley Refuge is closed weekends and to all public entry, except for walk holidays, 9am to in deer hunting before November 1, 4pm. The center is to reduce disturbance to the birds. closed on Christmas From December through mid March and New Years. excellent opportunities are available from outside the refuge to observe Auto Tour Routes Auto tour routes (see map) are early morning fly outs of large available at both Lower Klamath and numbers of bald eagles and other Tide Lake Refuges. These routes raptors from their Bear Valley roost are primarily improved gravel roads. An eagle's view (see map). To enhance your enjoyment and from Bear Valley understanding of Lower Klamath Refuge Refuge, wayside interpretive exhibits are provided. The variety of habitats along these routes contribute to excellent wildlife viewing. Staying in your vehicle will increase your observation opportunities and reduce disturbance to wildlife. k, Visitors to the Tide Lake Refuge auto tour may pick up a self guided booklet at the entrance of the route. Recreational Activities Recreational Activities

Photography The varied wildlife and habitats Interpretive Trails Interpretive trails are available Blinds of Klamath Basin Refuges are at Tule Lake and Klamath Marsh a photographer's delight as Refuges. Trailside exhibits provide photographic opportunities abound. interpretation of the area's natural A limited number of blinds are and cultural histories. A very steep, available on Tule 0.3-mile foot trail near the visitor Lake and Lower center at Tule Lake Refuge provides Klamath Refuges a spectacular view of the surrounding by advanced area from 150 feet above the basin. reservation. An interpretive leaflet is available Contact refuge at trailhead. Also, near the visitor headquarters center, Discovery Marsh allows for for further up close investigations of a marsh. information. Interpretive wayside exhibits demonstrate wetland management and wildlife. At Klamath Marsh Refuge (see map), Canoe Trails Self-guided canoe trails are provided a 10-mile trail at Tule Lake, Upper Klamath, and meanders by the Klamath Marsh Refuges. These marshland and areas may be seasonally closed through the forested due to fluctuating water levels or upland. Open for management purposes. Canoes to hiking, cross may be rented country skiing, and for use at Upper mountain biking, Klamath Refuge the route also from nearby serves as vehicle concessionaires. access to the refuge Brochures on each canoe area. of these canoe areas are available Fishing Fishing is permitted in designated from refuge areas of Upper Klamath and headquarters. Klamath Marsh Refuges in accordance with state and Federal regulations. The most sought after Hunting Hunting opportunities for waterfowl, ring-necked pheasant, and several species is rainbow trout. other wildlife species are provided on some parts of the refuges in Education Wildlife oriented teacher workshops accordance with state and Federal Programs and interpretive programs for regulations. schools and other organizations may Descriptive leaflets be arranged by contacting refuge are available headquarters. from refuge headquarters. Visiting Hours The refuges are open during daylight hours only, except as modified by refuge hunting regulations. Wildlife Viewing Refuge Signs

Great gray owl Signs protect visitors and resources While visiting the refuges you may encounter many different information and regulatory signs. These signs help protect wildlife resources and ensure you have a safe and enjoyable visit. Included below are some you may see.

Auto Tour Route Northern harrier These signs will guide you along feeding on a the tour route at Lower Klamath pheasant National Wildlife Refuge. A boundary sign with refuge entry allowed only on designated access routes.

National Wildlife Refuge Boundary sign with refuge entry allowed only on designated access routes.

Golden mantled ground squirrel Area Closed Certain areas of the refuges are closed to public entry for management purposes. Entry beyond this sign is prohibited.

No Vehicles Authorized vehicles only. Motor vehicles are not permitted beyond these signs. Please do not block access. Sage grouse Wildlife observation on Lower Klamath s

^ Nearby areas of interest Care to help?

Contact: Klamath Wildlife Area Oregon Wildlife need The future of wildlife depends Department of Fish and Wildlife, your help upon your awareness, support, Rough legged 1800 Miller Island Road, West and assistance. How can you help? hawk Klamath Falls, Oregon 97603 While visiting the refuges, observe Phone 541/883-5734 Eared grebe at regulations and report any violations. nest Communicate a good stewardship Fremont-Winema National Forest, message to others. Take advantage of 2819 Dahlia Street, Klamath Falls, opportunities to learn about wildlife Oregon, 97601 and share your knowledge. Talk to Phone 541/883 6714 the refuge volunteer coordinator about donating some of your time and Crater Lake National Park, P.O. Box talents. Buy a Federal Duck Stamp, 7, Crater Lake, Oregon, 97604 available at refuge headquarters. Phone 541/594 2211 Duck Stamp dollars are used to purchase wetland habitat for Butte Valley Wildlife Management inclusion in the National Wildlife Area, California Department of Fish Refuge System. Required of all and Wildlife, P.O. Box 429, Macdoel, waterfowl hunters over age 16, it is California, 96134 also a valuable collector's item. Phone 530/398 4627 For further For further information about Klamath Lava Beds National Monument, P.O. information Basin Refuges, the National Wildlife Box 867, Tulelake, California, 96134. Refuge System, or the U.S. Fish and Phone 530/667 2282 Wildlife Service, please contact: Refuge Manager, Klamath Basin Modoc National Forest-Doublehead National Wildlife Refuges Ranger District, P.O. Box 369, 4009 Hill Road Tulelake, California, 96134 Tulelake, California 96134 Phone 530/667 2246 Phone 530/667 2231

The Klamath Basin Refuges may Pelicans and American Avocet cormorants also be explored via the Internet. Our tvith Mt. Shasta headquarters is located at Tule Lake NWR. Visit the website at: www.fws.gov/refuges/tule_lake Log on and view maps, wildlife images, wildlife checklists, recent wildlife sightings and surveys, visitor information, local accommodations, and upcoming events.

For lodging and other area information, please contact: Travel Klamath 205 Riverside Drive > Klamath Falls, Oregon 97601 Phone 541/882 1501, 800/445 6728

>*3 Refuge Maps Refuge Maps

Klamath Marsh National Wildlife Refuge Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge

Bear Valley National Wildlife Refuge Clear Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 4009 Hill Road " . Tulelake, California 96134 530/667 2231 www.fws.gqv/refuge/tule_lake Klamath Basin

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service National Wildlife http://www.fws.gov Refuges For Refuge information 1800/344 WILD Publication photos: California/Oregon © Dave Menke (except as noted)

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